Pfizer's and Moderna's formulas have been the go-to on pharmacy shelves, but Novavax remains an important option.

After years of long lines and occasional shortages, more Americans are opting not to get the updated COVID-19 vaccine this year, according to a new national survey.

On Aug. 22, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration announced the approval of a new Novavax COVID vaccine, as well as updated versions of the Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna vaccines. According to NPR, this latest vaccine is already being distributed and administered across the country.

Health data show that COVID-19 still surpasses all other infectious respiratory illnesses as a cause of severe illness, hospitalization and, sadly, death. The good news is that the margin between COVID-19 and influenza is the slimmest it has ever been.